Evening Express

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A COMING INTERNATIONAL FORWABDml II I Percy L. Jones, Tredegar I < i By PERCY F. BUSH. EAR PercyThinkin g i of the wonderfully suc- cessful play of your best friend, Billy Spiller, and J seeing you with him after his debut as a fully fledged inter-, I- national, reminded me that you aiso al destined to wear the scarlet "Kap," with the proud plumes of the Prince, one day. Accordingly, I thought it would be quite a good notion to address these few remarks to you concerning your career with the "Express' purpose of showing ¡ what a decent chap and good footballer you really are. J It, of course, is not altogether strange tidings to you that you were first heard at Pontypridd so short a time back as 1888, and it will be readily conceded that you cannot have wasted much time in keeping fit since that time, when I men- tion the fact that you are now between 5ft. 6in. and 6ft. tall—to be precise, 5ft. llin.-while your accumulated avoir- dupois aggregates a little matter of -about 1. and a half. With these two great advantages of height and weight, it is not surprising that you have pushed your way into the forefront of footer, and will in time push it still further. Yet, with all the afore- said height and weight, not even your bitterest enemy can accuse you of ever letting your play go beyond the clean, vigorous stage. Your first real introduction to the bustle and turmoil of the football world took place when you were fifteen years of age, and the favoured team was the [ Rhydfelen XV. Your prowess was soon I noted, and those keen-eyed sportsmen I who did so much for Pontypridd footer I in those days promptly bagged you for t their own. Accordingly, the next year i found you proudly wearing Ponty's I colours, and Rhydfelen grumbled not, K for they felt that they had done their duty in Bringing You Out- This same season was, by the way, a great year for celebrated players at Pontypridd, for in the ranks were punean M'Gregor, the great Scotch three-quarter; Willie Spiller, whose fame everybody is talking of just now; Charley Culverwell, understudy to Willie Mor- gan; and Mog. Griffiths, that rattling good forward, whose talents have never been properly recognised. For the next -three years you played regularly for JPojity, being looked upon as one of the ^ry-T^st of the "upa," and you played. probably your finest game against Neath, the present Welsh champions. You will remember this match for another reason, though, I expect, Percy, for it was in it that that dashing for- ward, D. H. Davies, fell across your right knee, by accident, in such a way as to dislocate a cartilage, and the injury kept you out of the field for eight weeks. You have got a rare crop of good yarns about your exploits when off the field with this good old Ponty team. There is that story of how you and Billy Spiller ordered a trap from a certain man in Chepstow to take you to Tintem, what time the Chepstow committee bad very kindly chartered a boat for the Ponty team to take you all down to the Wynd Cliffs on Sunday morning, and how you and the "Splinter" streaked for the river where the boat was waiting. Freddy Lewis was very funny also that morning, or so it seemed to you, when he flatly refused to come in the boat because he was a non-swimmer. His vehement protest amused you all at the time, but Billy Spiller has assured me since that it was because he wanted to go to Church—or something. Freddy is deeper than you think, Percival, my boy! Again Bad Luck < overtook you, for after having had the honour of being picked for the Glamorgan League against Monmouthshire League, which match was to take place at Ponty- pool, you got a nasty kick in the mouth I while playing for Ponty, and were unable I to turn out, and so lost your Glamorgan I League Cap, and also the very unusual j distinction of playing for both Glamorgan League and Monmouth County (which latter honour came to you later). Shortly afterwards you left Pontypridd I for Caerphilly, and there resided for ¡ some time. Freddy Lewis was here- abouts playing for Treorky, he having taken a berth there. You also were invited to turn out for Treorky, and, as you sadly missed Ponty, you accepted; but before long the league committee decided that it was illeagueal, and as you couldn't get a transfer you decided to throw in your lot with the team of The "Cheese City!" I It was the luckiest day's work you ever I did, Percy, when you went to Caer- philly, for after looking Caerphilly around you discovered a certain winsome damsel, and before long a wedding-peal rang out. Your stay in Caerphilly having achieved its object, your charming wife and you migrated to Blackwood (Mon.), and thus you began to come in touch with the Monmouthshire League, for your present team, Tredegar, sent a I' deputation to Percy J., and he received them kindly and agreed to play for I Tredegar. You have played, then, for Tredegar ever since that time, and I suppose it will be from there that you will eventually get your "Kap." You have also partici- pated in every county match this year, and would have played against Glamor- gan on that frozen Wednesday we had, but the match was put off. If asked which match of your career you remember most vividly, you would probably reply that it was one in which you played for Caerphilly, that day when an opposing forward mistook your chin for a piece of something nice to eat, anr* promptly fastened his teeth in it. You bear the marks of this biting retort to this day, so no wonder you remember. it D'you Remember going round Bridgwater once, Percy, sell- ing rabbits? That was funny. Someone guaranteed to forfeit klO to the local hospital, I believe, if you would go around and sell these rabbits—never dreaming you would—but you squashed the joker in the good cause by carrying the rabbits about and selling them at 2d. per pair! Bridgwater never saw such cheap food! Just one reference to those three tries you scored in one match, Percy, and I will finish, for it is far from often that a forward scores three tries in a game, and yet you have done it. I could go on writing about you for pages, but I must not, and so good-bye, and may you soon be called upon for Wales!

I THE TANTALISING WELSH CUP I Some Pretty Referee Problems. OUTH Wales omce men has DO direct interest in the remaining part of the Welsh Senior Cap compe- tition. Canna&'s Quay. for tjietMrd Yew in suo- coc'elon. b?e '?  soutb 0 Mtrea-t. 'Th"&- ?n'6s have been pl?yThK so wen this eea?n that we foUow«iW<^ I journey North ?? a <? -utden? their ability to M? a. suoo?sf?  again disappointment was in store for us. It will not be fair tp oonn-ab, 8 Quay to ascribe the defeat of Trebarris to the long railway ride of the latber. seeing that two years ago the Northerners were successful, and were at the same time the travellers. Last Saturday the Treh-ris -forwaa-d play ?as m?cb below form. The defen- of Ba?.d?. fVmart, Timmins, and especially Tagg Williams was excellent, but, their front rank was very atow compared with the we-mean- busrinese of the Connah's Quay vanguard. Let 118 generously in our disappointment give Connah's Quay the credit of beating oar local survivors, amd wish them further success m the competition. Dear Mr. Mercer.-I should be obliged if you will kindly put me and many readers of your weekly motes in this district right upon -the two following problems. KERNEL. No. I.-The centre forward of an attacking eide is standing close up to the opposing baaks. and is in an outside position. One of the baoks anticipates that a pass is to be made to the said centre forwaad-this turns out to be the cam-and before the pass is made the back rushes off the Held of play, i.e., over the goal-line. Would you Now the centre offside? No. 2.—An attacking forward dribbles towards goal, and when he is, say, nineteen yards out a back, who is standing- just inside the penalty area, fouls him, but in fouting him the back jumped so that the offenoe Occurred directly on the penalty line. Whiat We want to know is, where do you consider the foul should be penalised—where the back started to jump or on, the penalty-line, where the offence happened? Now here are two questions which would Probably provide an excellent evening's dis- cussion for a referees' society, and I venture to think opposite opinions would be forth- coming. Chapter and verse cannot very well be quoted, and I should like to have the expert of experts of the laws of the game, Mr. ickfOTd. to say this or that should be done. Rut, all the same, I, In my humble way, am bt goang to shirk the queries of "Kernel," and if any rulings brought about my retire- laent, and made that the last match I *eferee'd, I should not feel exactly dissatisfied, with myself. Now for No. 1. I should certainly not rule the centre forward offside. A defender is always entitled to employ legitimate tactics to endeavour to place the attackers offside. But I should not include "rushing off the field of play" in that class. I should, in my mind, emphatically note that as "ungentie- ffianly behaviour," and dub the back as the offender, not the centre forwaxd. A very liberal application of the power "to refrain" Would put 4ny of my doubts, if any, at rest, and if a goal was soared it would be a just finish to a bit of smart "ungentlem&nly behaviour." And, further, Mr. Pull-back would have to be extremely careful how he clayed his next item in his game of bluff (his Probable excitable appfcal for offside, as I fcnagine it would be), or he would find him. self permanently off the field. I have not the lightest sympathy for these professors of ebarp questionable tactics. No. 2, with<*«riations, as often tQrbesean. It- V s -?; There are still defenders wibo keep a keen eye for the position of the line round the penalty area. Some; are experts at the job. In this particular instance I take it that the offence is "jumping at" an opponent. One can jump at and miss, but the intention is there all the time. Here the jump took effect -,On" the penalty-line. I should have no hesi- tation in awarding a penalty kick. Buit it might be urged by the knowing back the offence for a penalty kick must take place. Very well. Let us argue that out mow that we are off the field. If it is on the line, then it is not "within the pemaityl area," say you. Eight. But, by the some arguing, neither ca.n on the line be said to be "outside of" the area. And if not outside of, then it must be within. Let us go to the touch-line to support this. The whole of the hall must be over the line before it is out of play. If the least bit of the baJl is the line it as (held to be within the field of play. If any are inclined to say that all this is splitting straws, splitting straws let it be. But I should not fail to split these straws (keeping within the four corners of the laws of the game, of course) if by 8° doing I could come down on all and any of those instances of ddipty play, which even now tend to get our game a questionable reputation. I thank my old friend "Kernel" for has two questions. If any reader has other views different from mine I shall be pleased to hear from him, amd will promise him the spam in this column to <9et forth his opinion. Anyhow, I do not put mine forth, as definite rulings. They indicate the line I should adopt, while recognising that there may be other alternar tives, which 'I should not dream of saying were wrong. The. local Senior OuP-tio between Merthyr

"A LOST LAMB." I AarornQHB peeoiotts it.Ex?OB.D gone. I Trehiarris sees the Okey Boko Bird" (Connah's? Quay) soar away with his long- cherished treasure. In the fourth round of the W«:k- Jeniov Cup OGnmaoh's Quay defeated Treha'r?- t?v 3 ?<MJa to 1, t.hus ama?hics Treharria'???")LV I beaten record. f and Mardy is otiu-at the moment of writing -,u,ndeedded. It is dragging on somethimg like the record one a couple of years ago between the Oamerons and Abertillery. The first attempt, was a drawn game at Merthyr. Then the weather stopped two tries to bring it off at Mardy, and when it was pla^d amother drawn game was the "*u.1t. Under the rule the choice of ground now reverts to Merthyr again. It is to be hoped that a definite ending may eoon be reached. These drawn gaxaes are anore of a nuisance tha--m I amythibg else, especia-lly when fixture-lists are crowded. as they are, Owmparo and 'Port Talbot both dis- tinguished themselves by securing wins with the huge score of 10—0 against Aberga-venny and Llanelly respectively. Running up into double ftguresis not often done, but that does not cause any particular regret. The temporary check by Mil ford seems to have put the Cwmparo attacking brigade in a specially net-finding mood. Then, again, Cwm., by 5-1, soored a very comfortable win over their Blaima rivals, and Own!, are quite pleased with themselves, thank you. Merthyr's Tisit to Aberdare was of more than local interest, and by returning home as winners the visitors accomplished a very good afternoon's work, although the margin of goals—1—0—1 was rather small. Ton. Bentfe, too, have picked up wonderfully of late, and gave a bright display in the important -firture with Salisbury. Six-l is quite enough to show superiority, and the cup- hotLders are now, doubtless, viewing the coming eemi-final with more confidence than they were a month ago. To-day the amateur international with England at Ruddersfteld may be said to bring up against the big country matches. On March 5 Wales, at Kilmarnock, will face Scotland, and we mere Southerners will have more than a. passive interest therein. But the editor's patience is getting exhausted, aind I will reserve the rest until next week.

ASSOCIATION". I CAADLFY A-NIY OISTBICT—DIVISION I. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pta. Barry Dock Albion Has 7 5 0 2 16 6 12 Bur3r Islamd 8 4 2 2 17 12 10 Splott Westeyans. 9 4 3 2 20 15 10 Cameron-s 5 3 1 1 9 5 J Barry West End 6 5 2 1 14 8 7 Cardiff United „ 7 1 4 2 7 15 4 Mackintosh 6 1 4 1 12 17 3 Barry In termedoia.te.. 9 1 7 3, 9 28 3 MVISION II. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pltg. Grange Old Boya. 5 3 0 2 7 3 a Senghenydd 4 2 0 2 31 4 6 Mariotw 3 (J 1 10 6 5 (Barry Villa 6 1 4 1 7 13 3 Pena.rth Vjj;Ja, 4 1 0 3 8 11 2 Barry Island JtMarres 2 0 2 0 õ II 0 DIVISION III. r. W U D. F. A. Pts. ,Gor&ns 8 7 1 0 :1.9 5 14 EaMbowne9 8 4 1 3 16 7 11 Roath Fbanezer 9 4 2 3 12 11 11 Clarence United. 9 4 4 1 15 15 9 Court United 8 2 5 1 5 17 S &t. Mary's OJd Boys 9 2 7 0 8 24 4 Grange Old Boys Kes. 5 1 4 0 6 12 8 DIVISKWr IV.-SECTION' A. V. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Fide Villa & 5 1 2 14 5 12 Cadoxton Even. School 8 4 2 2 20 14 32* Pyke-etreet Old Boya 7 6 1 1 17 9 11 Lllke's 8 3 3 2 27 15 8 Boath-road Wesleyaua 7 2 4 1 7 11 5 Grange Juniors 10 1 6 3 14 29 5 LriMKlair 5 0 4 1 3 20 1 Awarded two point?. DIVISION IV.—SECTION" B. P. W. L. D. P. A. Pts, Bomilly Old Epys 9 5 1 3 27 9 13 frplott Albions 3 6 0 2 10 3 13 fit, Marprarat's 9 4 3 2 17 17 10 Penarth P. Church In. 8 4 3 1 U It 9 Caerphilly C. L. Bgde. '7214 14 11 8 W<>Hfields 8 1 « 1 a 19 3 Docks Temperance 8 0 7 1 6 24 1

CARDIFF SKITTLE LEAGUE. I S. W. J. D. Pts. Banarth Dock. 21 14 6 1 29 Barry Holtons 81' 14 7 0 ..23 Oddfellows 21 14 7 0 26 King William IV 21 13 8 0..26 Cardiff City. 21 13 8 0 26 Bate Dook 21 13 3 0 26 Four Elms 21 12 9 0 24 Plymouth Rock. 21 12 9 0 24 New Park Liberals 21 10 10 1,. 2! Greyhounds .?1 10 H 0 20 Splott Consetvatives 21 10 11 0 20 Clyde 21 8 12 1.. 17 Cow aDd Snuffers 21 7 13 1 .15 Central Liberals 21. 7 J4 0..14 five 21 6 14 1 13 i«h Institute tl

[CARDIFF WEDNESDAY LEAGUE I Cathays A.F.C. Who's Who. I I By SOCCERITE. I DR.MPATERSON (P-sident) .-Well known for his help and practical support, of local athlietics. OOUNdliLOR REG. HARALQON (vice-presi- dent), in spite of has muiitatudinal muni- I cipal duties, finds time to take an active interest in the club's welfare. Messrs. OSCAR PUKNUIiL, EDWIN DAVIES, and GÐORGEPRIDDLE are vigorous sup- porters, and enoourage the player. by their enthusiasm and presence at matches. The latter is chairman of committee.' A. E. ASiHTON (secreba,ry).-A. stickler for work. Has visions of handling the Sugg Cup. May it be a reajity, I He is not at all PHOTO, DURA. t X. E. AMTON, dismayed at club's position, in league. 000.- soles himself, with the knowledge that the D.T.C. were beaten io-A by the Cathays crowd. IVOR HAMXiBY (treasmrer).-Is a regotow "oodt" bard. A genial sport who is a. genius for ftftance. Never considers he has enough money in hand. GOAIi- A. E. ASHTOtN".—Acts as goalkeeper at jxre- sent. When they have a ivgolar goalie he usually plays right half or forward. BAOKjg. (ftom)- F. NAYLOR.—On the small si&, Wt a "dread- nought." Fearl-ess, Fafe, and champion kicker. ^Nicknamed "Rusty," but will never go rusty dn football. F. JENKINS (laite of Cardiff Thistles).— Speedy aud clever. Splendid kick on the "fly." A. tackier. Loves the game. Knows and plays it. Us.ed to play for Car- diff United. HALF-BAOKS- W. RUMBEIOW.—beffc half. Iiraprovirog each match the plays in. Qilde4. iiTiARgnrminp plodder. T. TREGAJtTHIEN (c&puan).-The "CtewtSuays Wedlook." Emulates "Patty" to a inioety. Knows where to find' the net. E. BAKER.—Only recently joined the club. but is a decided aequdbition., and merits his place. FORWARDS (chosen from)-, H. DOE.-A dashing winger. Uses his weight to advantage. Not afraid of his opponents. J. PARRY.—Is very cool, keeps weU up the field, and centres well. A. SMITH. Very- strong shot. Takes penalties and corner kicks, and drives tfhem home at a terrific pace. J. MA-N'SVIELD.-Past amd tricky. Dead shot. Only married man in the team, but plays as well as the single ones. E. CTOMIiEY. Old -Canton Wednesday pjayer. Good dribbler. Wou-Id add to his status as a player if he did not hang on to the ball so long, but is a capital player, all the same. T. THOMAS.—One of the most capable left win,gers in the league. Very, fast, and loves beatmg the opposing goalkeeper. CARDIFF AiND DISTRICT WEDNESDAY DIVISION I. „ P. W. L. D. Pts. „ I"os*. -offl»» .12 11 1 0 23 Barry Shop Assistants. 12 6 4 2.. 16 Canton InetUtate 12 6 3 3 15 ThWlo3 12 6 5 3 ..15 Cathays wil;?i 4 '4 5 î Penarth Wednesday 12 3 2 7.. 8 Whartoais .lQ 2 1 7 5 Direct Trading Co. 10 0 0 10 G DIVISION" IL P. W. L. D. Pta. Splott Wednesday 10 10 0 0 .» 20 Ivv 11 7 2 2 16 Cadoxton Juniors 10 6 1 3 13 Gogan Wednesday 8 6 1 2 -11 Thistle Reserves 10 2 0 8 4 mvpo4emo 11 1 1 9 1, 3 10. 1 1

PORT TALBOT AND CAN-MPARK were mated in a coincidence on Saturday. Bo-th were four goals up at half-time, and ten goals to nil at the finish. DAI GRIFFITHS, the old Ystalyfera forward, is unable to assist Swansea now owing to knee trouble. It is not likely tha,t Dai will be seen with the all whites again this geascin. LOU JONBS, Pontlottyn Town, is improving in every match. He was, doubtless, the best man on the field against Treharris Reserves last Saturday, and ia fast qualify- ing himself for a position in better com- pany. LLOYD and PROSSE R worked harmoniously together at the rear of the scrum for Pontyiptool last Saturday, and the former scored a clever try on his own. His only fault. if fault it can be called, is that he is generally too unselfish, but individualism proved Successful last Saturday.* BERT JOJNES, the clever amd popular centre half of Barry District Soccer combination, has been for over a. fortnight a. patient at the Barry Hospital. Same time ago Bert- who, by the way, is a brother of Percy Jones, a Swansea Town player—sustained a wrench of the tbigh whilst doing duty for the District team, and the injury so developed that a.n operation was found necessary.. He is an exceptionally well- !built young fellow, and rumour hath it that he would be welcomed by the Bristol City Club. But Bert has higher aspira- tions than that cf becoming a professional footbellet-he plays the game merely (because he enjoys it-and his host of friends, noit the least those attached to Barry Rowing Oluib, of wthich be is a valued member, will be pleased to hear of his complete recovery. His ten colleagues will not begrudge IVOR LLEWELLYN", Barry Di-triot's goalkeeper, the richly-merited praise which visiting teams and home supporters have showered upon him. week in and week out, for his able display in front of the net. Happily, he is in different, to flat,tery, and the shrill yells of appreciation from the youngsters a-ound the ropes are as much to him as the shouts of, Well, stopped, ",ir," from the Bristol City cracks. W. R. SHEPHERD, Penarth, is a real good forward. Shepherd played the Soccer code up to 1906, and then assisted Cardiff Northern. He next turned out for Cardiff and district, and later was drafted into Cardiff Reserves, and the premiers. This season he has played well in the front rank for Pe-Darth. He has a good chance of higher honours, as he is only 23 years of age, stands 6ft. high, and turns the scale at 12st. lGlb.

Welshmen Up North. 1 BRITISH N.U. TEAM TO TOUR COLONIES By OUR N.U. CORWROPONOUNT. ATLEY were without Wattie and Will Da-vies in their match with Hull Kingston Rovers last Saturday, but proved superior to the Humber- side team. The game was roughly contested. and four 'players were sent off. The Northern Union should inflict more severe penalties for these offences, as rough tactics completely spoil the game, and are discouraged by the average spectator. Mr. AtaLbtt Smith, of ilaw- ox, who treferee'd tbli, match, is known as a ma.n who will have the game played a.t whatever cost, amd he will countenance no T'Ough.t:Aô\OOB. -In..a.. ma.toh between Bradford and Keightey a few years baook he sent off no fewer than eight players. Mir. Smith is to be congratulated in the steps he has takeni in hia efforts to purify the game. Merthyr were vear.lucky.ia beat T^eherbert last Saturday, aett wiU*. iitHe luck,, the Scores would Irave 'been reversed, Matthews and D. B. Davies played well for the visitors, and Felton and Fraaicie for -the homesters. The tmspeiision of J. B. Evans by the Northern Union Committee is regarded, Merthyr way, to be unjust, and a very interesting sequel is expected in a short time. Perhaps otbè sequel may be in the formation of a Welsh Northem Union league of eigiht clubs, and inducements offered to Welsh Northern Union playpers to return to their native Wales. Ebbw Vale fully deserved to beat Hunslet at Parkside last Saturday. The Valians gave a fine display, .their passing being of the typical Welsh order, and far superior to that, of Hunslet. The Welsh team were deservedly cheered by the spectators for their fine display, and the home team could not do better than follow bh? Valians' example in passing. "Chick" Jenkins played a sound game, his speedy mnming aid safe fielding EF5:?o'f the features of the ma.tch. What j a loss the Hull Club had in letting him go! Billingham, who was brought into the team as a reserve, played a good game on the wing, and with judicious feeding this player should make a name for himself. He is well-built and fairly speedy, his only fault being that he has not a safe pair of hands. Dai Davies, the old Warrington player, also played a good game for the Welshman. at full-back. His kicking wa.s very nicely judged, and he got out of difficulties in a clever fashion. The Welshmen' are to be congratulated on playdng such a fine game. A gate of 20,000 watched Oldham defeat Broughton Rangers at Watersheddings last Saturday. The Rangers gave a fine display, and the league leaders were hard put to to avoid defeat. For Oldham Young, late 01 Pill Harriers, made his debut in first league footbaJI, and played a. fine game. He had every assistance from Tom Llewellyn, who played a very intelligent game. In the young Welshman Oldham have made a good cap- tune. His two tries were superb efforts, amd he showed a, clever knowledge of the game, Wood, the old Gloucester full-back, played a great game for the homesters. For the Rangers Ruddick played a strong game. alid, without doubt, was the best forward on the field. The Breoonman is always hovering nea.r the ball, and bag try was got by iaet following-up and a firae conception of the game. The half-back play was of a poor quality. Smith, York's Capture from Mertiyr, was tlhe best of the Minster town's three-quarters in the match a Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue last Saturday. He scored a clever try, and was very dangerous on several occasions. Burchell also played fine, and opened out the game in splendid style. Leed 3 fairly took Huddersfleld by surprise m beating- them a.t JPartown last Saturday. For the Heodingley team Frank Young played a. grand gaam? &nd his good display had more to do with his side's victory than anything else. The old Cardiff man did not hesitate to stop the home forwards' strong rushes, either. His opponent's (Edwards) attempts to stop rushes were of the crudest manner, launders at half also played a good game, but he must learn to put the

I "LOST!" BABES IN THE WOOD-THE CARDIFF WOOD. Both Newpoft and Newwutl, Seoondfe lost to I Qudiff £ te«e t*»d Seooude laat S&tcUzdKy,

THE FOOTBALL PEEP-SHOW.

EBBW VALE (N.U.) The visit of Bbbw Vale to Hunslet and Batley on Saturday and Monday last was of a* most successful character. They got witbin one point of the Hunslet men—one of the strongest Northern clubs—and drew with Those who saw the Batley on Monday. Those who saw the games assert that the Valians ought to have won both. However, the scores are clear evidence that the Welshmen are an improved team, and can c-ompote favourably with the best of the Nortbern clubs. Ebbw Vale have now completed their Northern League matches. The remaining four matches with Northern clus are home fixtures. It has been a big struggle to run tihe team during the last few weeks, bnt they have. now cleared the last fence, end there is every prospect of a brilliant finish. Is it a coincidence that Merthyr and Bbbw Vale, the only Welsh teams in the competi- tion, .should be drawn in the first round for the Northern Union Cup? A match between Merthyr and Treherbert was exitensiiveiy advert ised to take pJace on the Bridge End Field, Bbbw Vale, on Mon- day, but for some reason or other it was abandoned. A crowd had assembled. L. Llewellyn, the fast wing man, is still on the retired list, his place being taken by BDlingham, a local lad, who is rapidly devefloping into a brilliant wing.

MERTHYR. Merthyr were at TVeherbert last Saturday to fulfil their postponed Northern Union League match, and, as was confidently expected, the much-needed couple of points were gained. Thomas again appeared, and the captain excelled himself with the kick for goaJ whioh won the match. i Rhys Rees was in more like his old form at, the base of the scrum, and Harris was a good partner. D. B. Davies, W. Read, and 6yd James also deserve mention. Great interest prevails over the draw for the cup, for the old rivals, Ebbw Vale, will visit Merthyr. It should be a great struggle. Merthyr should have played Trehe-rbert at Ebbw Vale on Monday, but after making the journey they found their opponents had not put in an appearance. This is rough on Merthyr, who bad been put to the expense of engaging the ground and advertising the I match. The matter has been reported to the Northern Union. i

D. B. DAVIES, a popular member of the I Merthyr Nbrthom Union team, is a sterling and hardworking forward, amd his dribbling is quite a feature off his play. j Near tihe line D. B. is always dangerous, .1 as bis opponents know to their cost. His services have been much sought after by mortbernalubs. His selection as first forw ard PHOTO, A. and G, TAYLOE, CARDIFF. I in the Welsih team against England at I Ebbw Vale was a most popular one. Dai bas been previously capped, VAUGHAN, the Ystalyfera captain, has returned to his old love, Ponta-rdawe. Ereddy is a much better player now than he wae when? be first played for Ystalyfera.

I BEATEN FIFTEEN TIMES. WALES & IRELAND AT HOCKEY To-day's iiit-ernational hockey match on the Ba.ih.y Flark, Abergavenny, constituted the sixteenth meeting- between the represent atives ) of the Emerald Isle and the Land of Leeks, j Welsh territory has nine times accommodated th? annual tussle, Abergavenny leading off with three, Llandudno and Rhyl following -ith two ?ach, and Cardiff ??d Newport ?ha-ving been the venue of th? other two matches played in Wales. The ]Yibernians have always proved themselves triumphant in their Welsh matches, and it is rather a significant fact that in the fifteen matches played previous to to-day the Welsh team had not got home victorious on a single occasion. Since their first meeting, at Rhyl in 1895, ithe Irishmen had up to to-day's match soored 192 goals, against 12 registered acainst them by their opponents. The worst trouncing the Welshmen ever had was at Llandudno ten years ago, when they had ten goals piled up against them. MR. W. H. OWEiN" has for the first time in his career been selected to represent his country in an international hockey match. Born 23 years ago at Holyhead, he occu- pied a position, on the staff of the marine superintendent of the London and North- Weistem Railway Company at -the new WeiLsh port. His first acquaintance with (hockey dates but two years back, and since then he has made himself an adept at the game. Last season he took part in the East v. West and North v. South trial matches, acquitting himself creditably, and he also part-icipated in this season's East v. West trial game. He was chosen first reserve in the Scottish international match at Edinburgh, and has now secured has "oap." This is a splendid achievement when it is remembered that Mr. Owen is bnt young, to the game. It is interesting to note that Mr. Owen is the ftrst member of the Holyhead club who has received the honour. W. J. NICKELS, Swansea, first played with PHOTO. JACK LEWIS, SWANSEA. the "Wdms-hill club fa suburb of Burtafi-on- Trent) as far bad: as 1898 in various posi- tions. He oadlle to Swansea in December, 1905. and played for the renj»'-in<ier of the season with the Swansea Celtic—now defunct. Joined the SwanoFa the fol- lowing, season, and played Veft half up to1 the present season, when he resumed his position of right hack. He haa-, played for the West on three oocaefooos this year, being captain, a.nd esi»se<pl .5>mtiy played for the South at LlacwLudrtrjo. This is his first "cap." In hookey "tf-sgs" Nickels weigh s about 12st. 51b. I Previous Encounters Where played. Ireland. Wb-ta's, 1895—Rhyl  5 0 1896-Rhyl "?. & 0 1897—Dublin ..t. 5 0 lega-llamduodptw 10 fi 1899-Du-b 4 0 1900—LIan<* judno 5 1 1901-Dub, tin 9 1 1902-Arg.avenny 7 5 1903—Li merick 7 0 19M—-4 bergavenny 4 a 1905— Cork B m. t 190fr -Cai-diff 8 0 190^—Dublin 6 0 19iP|&—Newport 4 a 19(3*9—Cocrk 8 1

I J" PADDY" IN "LUNNON." 4 1 9 j PA'DDY: Smre. now! Kin Oi kim ta? I JOHN: No, you can't! PADDY: Begorra, thin! Yes shaoi't king out. I England and Ireland drerw lagt Sa^srday. neither side soaring.

CARDIFF WEDNESDAY LEAGUE The second division clubs are to be con- gratulated on the excellent results obtained in the cup-ties, and Splott Wednesday accom- plished a great feat ip trouncing the Canton Institute. The latter club were very confident of winning, but were outplaied for, three parts of the game, although had they been stronger forward the game may have been pulled out of the fire in the last quarter. M'Carthy and Lewis played splendidly for the winners, ae also 4id Thamnaon tor Canton. On the Uamdaff Fields <?o<?n degarredir drew with the Th.isHe&. and, although the 'I'bi&es suC?red from absentees, Oo?a? I i?.1l?d,roT 'Vedneedev nayt. Barry Obop play on succ?--ssfi, Aat ho3ne in Oe re- Aeststa,nt? beat Cadoxton Jumom ob the District ground by tihe only goal of the match. Had not the rival goalkeepers proved such excellent custodians there would have been some tall scorifig accomplished. Maw poleons failed to field against Oathavs, who** consequently, walk into the awiiwOTiii A game worth Witnessing should result from a fixture between the undefeated Jeram champions of the first and second divisions, and since Splott were successful agaaost Canton Inrti-t-utoein the cup-tie they are quite anxious to meet the Poet-office in a friendly.

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ball in the scrimmage properly, and not get his side penalised by persisting in this method. Barron, the Hull Kingitoq. Rovers imian, was the best of the third line, his try being a very smart effort. Of the forwards Biggs, the old Briton. Ferry man, played a valiant game, and tackled like a Trojan. The weak spot in the home team was Edwards at full-back. The new capture gave two tries away, and was very weak in gather- ing the ball. He seemed nervous when the Leeds forwards were rushing upon him, and in this matefe-he must be put down as a rank failure. The Fartown club may persevere with him, as he certainly looks capable of better form, but this last two displays, to put it in a mild fgrrn, were not very promising. Jim Davies at half-back was not very convincing. He certainly has lost a lot jal hia earlier form. Salford administered a whacking to the Halifax team at Weasle last Saturday. The Tis-itors in the four "previous meetings bad proved the victors, but it appears that one of two defections in the Thrum Hall three- quarter line from last season have "played havoc in their play. The blue and whites ,Went i-m for the spoiling g^me, \apd, were afraid to open out the back play. Halifax could do with a couple of good three-quarters to restore confidence in the team, as the third line is very moderate just now. For Salford W. Thomas at ha-If-back did a few smart hits of play, but the old AberavOn player has a penchant- for offside play, which he would do well to discontinue. Sid Adams was not much "in the picture, but when he had possession he took a lot of pulling down, and was generally about when defence was needed. Littlejohns, as usual, played his good game, and was faultless, his catching of the ba.11 and getting his side out of diffi. culties being perfect. -The red forwards did not show their usual form, the visitors' for- wards having the better I)f the argument Dai Rees, Buckler, and E. J. Thomas, how- ever, put in a lot of determined tackling, and the first-named could not be accused of lack of vigour. Medley, a very promising half- back, played a good game for Halifax, and has the making of a great half-back. Wigan fairly overwhelmed Hull at the Boulevard Ground last Saturday. The visitors played fine, attractive football, their passing ,being clean and impossible to stop. Bert Jenkins played in something like his old form. Has two tries were the result off capital bursts, in which he used his weight and strength to advantage. Johnny Thomas also played in rare style, his clever breakaways causing disaster to the home- iteam. Thomas has a fim. conception of the game, and often turns defence into a successful attack, and FHOTO, HElVPONV WIGAN". HOWELL FRANCIS. with Ned Jones they completely over-ran the Bouleva.rd half-backs. Howell Francis was always in the picture, and his following-up has not been surpassed on the Hull ground for many a, year. Seeling, the All Black, plaved a clever forward game for the Central Park team, and he slumg the ball ab-out to gome tune. Jack Jenkins played a good game fOT War- rington against St. Helena last Saturday. He made several nice openings for Stuntz, the Colonial wing, but the latter has a most unreliable pair of ha.nds. and dropped the ball on eaoh occasion. O'Neill arwj G. Thomas were the 'best of a winning set of forwards, who were. badly let down by the backs operating behind them. After « Ibt of palavering, the Colonial Northern Union League have agreed to the English Northern Union terms, and a. team is certain to be eeint out next April to play down under. The Northern Union would do well if they selected the players to take part in the tour themselves, as it is well known that several clubs view this tour with dis- pleasure, and on the Northern Union asking them to nominate players they may send players who are not their 'best. If the torn is to be a success only the best men must be chosen, and the Northern Union should over-rule the eluba in regard to their players. The tour is expected to provide a greai fillip to tb)e, game down under, and in all probability will prove a financial success. Ebbw Vale did a great performance in sharing the points with Bailey at Mount Pleasant last Monday. Nearly every team goer- awaY defeated from tlie breezy heights. The Welshmen had all the better of the game, and 'Chick" Jenkins played a magnificent game for the Valians. Halifax put the finishing touch on their bad form this season in allowing themselves to be beaten by such a team as Bramley last Monday. The Thrum Hall backs are noi. giving satisf action, a.nd critics aver it was a great mistake to let Dai Thomas go. as the Welshmam in his best form would be of great value to the Thrum Hall team at the present juncture. It is to be hoped the blue and whites will do well -in the cup-ties. Warrington played one of their best games against Swinton last Monday. Jack Jenkins was again in fine form, scoring a; try, and was the means of two more by his splendid breakaways. Stuntz, the Colonial, showed great pace, and scored *hree tries, in which he cleverly evaded the visitors-, defence. Frank Slragars was the best of t'he heavy Warrington vanguard, and his tackling was not of the parloux kind. For Swinton Gordon Thomas did well at the outset, but towards the close the was often found wanting. He is far too light, and he had no hope of tackling I the heavy StuBftz. who brushed Wm aside with ease. Dai Davies, the old Bolton ? Waudww. pi?yed ? b&Ñ BM)?  -LEY, Gilfaeb'.i second team's <?ntr? fu;'¡ ward, bids fair to outshine hi, more iamou brother, who assists Wolverhampton Wan- derers Reserves. FRED LEWIS, Aberdare A.F.C., is a local lad. and started playing for Gadlys Midgets, then for Aberdare Territorials. This season be was spotted by the Aberdare premier club's officials. Being only eighteen years of age, he has a brilliant future before him. JACK WATKINS. Garnvaoh, had a, trial for Blaina against Tialywann, and did splen- didly. He ought to ma-ke a good wing three-quarter, a-" he has plenty of epeed, and does not lack spirit. Against Pill Harriers last Saturday MORRIS WILLIAMS, Pw?itypwl'z, custodian, pJayed J one of his best gam, H? was a,b=3tut?ty j to be relied upon, and kicked a lovely goal from a difficult angle. 1.1". JOHN M'CQRMACK, the chairman of the directors of the Aberdare A.F.C.. hails from Glasgow. He takes a keen delight in all class of sport BARRY DISTRICT will know what staleness means unless someonoe provides a home fix- ture for them ere long. Football has been none too encouraging a.t Barry this season, and rleart,h of fixtures is not going to iic prove. matters. One home match with Mert,hyr is likely to provide the cnly good football the local supporters will see at the Butt-rill? again this season. A good capture for any second division team is HARRY BROWNING, who was oaptaan of the now defunct Pontlottyn Southern. WIN. STONE, the goalie, would also!beaco(Wt4bW, JACK ROBEILTS, Aberoaxn. is a forward who knows every: trick worth knowing. He dQ8 not shirk the scrum, and he will taokia PHOTO. A. and G. TAYLOB, CARDIFF. anything, and go down to the ball any tkow and in any position. ST ALL WORTHY is the greatest centre Be.rnt District has had since the dayis of good- natured Charlie Grinnell, who beat Booger- atone by himself in the final focr the South Wales Cup, scoring four goals out of the five by which Barry won an that memo. rable Sat urday eight or nine YAIO.